Part 2
3. The office of Escheator is conferred upon, and given in perpetuity to the Mayor.
4. The King’s Marshal, Steward, and Clerk of the houshold, are exempted from having any authority in the city.
5. For the greater convenience of citizens resorting to country fairs, they are granted the privilege of holding a court of Pye-powder in such places, for the determination of all contests that happen in each of those fairs.
6. That the citizens should be only assessed in common with their fellow subjects, towards general subsidies, grants, and contributions.
7. That no market be kept within seven miles of the city of London.
8. And that the city liberties shall not be seized for a personal offence, or iniquitous judgment of any of its magistrates, &c.
By the second charter, Southwark is granted for the good and benefit of the citizens.
The same Prince, in the year 1354, granted the city the privilege of having gold or silver maces carried before the chief magistrate; a privilege then peculiar to London; for all other cities and towns in the kingdom were, by a royal precept, expresly commanded not to use maces of any other metal than copper; and this is the time when, it is supposed by some, that the title of _Lord_ was first added to that of Mayor.
In the year 1348, the city was visited by a most terrible pestilence, which continued to rage till the church yards were found not capacious enough to receive the bodies. This induced several persons to purchase ground to supply that defect; and in one of these burying grounds, bought by Sir Walter Manny, were interred the next year 50,000 persons; an amazing number, considering the small extent of this metropolis at that time: by this dreadful pestilence 100,000 persons are said to have died in this city. This is a very convincing proof that London was at that time extremely populous.
By this terrible pestilence provisions were reduced so low, that the best fed ox was sold for 4s. the best cow at 1s. the best heifer or steer at 6d. the best wether at 4d. the best ewe at 3d. the best lamb at 2d. the best hog at 5d. and a fine horse, formerly worth 40s. at 6s. 8d. _Arnold’s Chronicle._
But notwithstanding this deplorable calamity, the wealth and dignity of the city were soon after so great, that in the year 1363, the Kings of Scotland, France, and Cyprus, who came into England to visit King Edward III. were entertained at dinner, with his Majesty, the Prince of Wales his son, and most of the nobility, by Henry Picard, late Mayor of London.
In the fifth year of the reign of King Richard II. the city suffered greatly by the rebellion of Wat Hilliard, commonly called Wat Tyler, from his employment; he being a tyler of Dartford in Kent. This fellow, exasperated at the impudence and insolence of the collectors of the poll tax, one of whom pulled up his daughter’s cloaths to see if she was arrived at the age of puberty; after killing the collector, excited the people to join him, in defence of their daughters, and to abolish the laws and taxes, which were thought extremely burthensome. They readily entered into this proposal, marched to Black Heath, and were soon increased to 100,000 men.
This prodigious mob entered Southwark on the 10th of June 1381, set at liberty the prisoners in the King’s Bench and Marshalsea prisons, and levelled to the ground the houses of all lawyers and questmen, and while one party went to Lambeth, where they burnt the archiepiscopal palace, with the rich furniture, books and registers, another destroyed the common stews along the bankside, then kept by Flemish bawds, who farmed them of the city.
In this dreadful confusion, the Lord Mayor caused the bridge gate to be shut, and fortified; but the next day they were admitted into the city, and the shambles and wine cellars set open for their accommodation. Being now joined by the city rabble, they hasted to the Savoy, the Duke of Lancaster’s palace, which was the most magnificent edifice in the kingdom, and setting fire to it, caused proclamation to be made, that none should appropriate any thing to his own use, upon pain of death. They then ran to the Temple, which at that time belonged to the Lord High Treasurer; that edifice they also burnt, with all the records in Chancery, and the books and papers belonging to the students of the law; and all the inns of court they served in the same manner.
After this, dividing themselves into three bodies, one proceeded to the rich priory of St. John of Jerusalem, near Smithfield, which they likewise burnt; and then marching to the stately mansion house at Highbury, beyond Islington, set fire to that edifice, through hatred to Sir Robert Hales, the High Treasurer, who was prior of the one, and proprietor of the other.
The second division marched to the Tower, which they entered, notwithstanding its being guarded by six hundred men at arms, and the same number of archers, and there seizing Simon Sudbury, Archbishop of Canterbury, and the above Sir Robert Hales, caused them both to be beheaded on Tower hill.
The third division, which were the Essex party, proceeded to Mile-end, where being met by the King, who agreed to all their demands, they the same day dispersed, and returned home.
Wat Tyler, with the rest of his desperate crew, however, continued committing the greatest disorders in London and Westminster, and, under the plausible pretence of reforming public abuses, they set open the prisons of the Fleet and Newgate, murdered many of the most eminent citizens, and dragging the Flemish merchants from the churches, where they had fled for refuge, beheaded them in the streets. Nor did their monstrous cruelty stop here; for they proceeded murdering and burning in a most horrid manner in many parts of the city; and not only made proclamation for the beheading of all lawyers, and persons concerned in the Exchequer, but even of all who were able to write.
At length King Richard, encouraged by his success at Mile-end, sent to let Wat Tyler know that he would have a conference with him in Smithfield, upon which that rebel marched slowly thither, at the head of his forces; but no sooner saw the King, than setting spurs to his horse, he boldly rode up to his Majesty, leaving all his companions behind. His behaviour and proposals were equally brutish and absurd, for he would be satisfied with nothing less than a commission to behead all lawyers, and the abolition of all the ancient laws of the kingdom; at which, William Walworth, the Lord Mayor, was ordered to arrest him, when that brave magistrate gave him such a blow on the head with his sword, that he fell wounded from his horse, and was soon dispatched.
The rebels, in the mean time, observing what was done, cried out, Our Captain is murdered, let us revenge his death, and immediately bent their bows: when Richard, though but fifteen years of age, with astonishing prudence and bravery rode up to them, crying, “My friends, will you kill your King? be not troubled for the loss of your leader. I will be your captain, and grant what you desire.” Upon which they changed their resolution, and marched under his conduct to St. George’s Fields, where finding a thousand citizens completely armed, they were struck with such an amazing panic, that, throwing down their arms, they begged for mercy, which being granted, they immediately dispersed.
Several writers ascribe to the action of this day, the addition of the dagger to the arms of the city, in remembrance of the good service done by them, and particularly by the Lord Mayor.
This, and other rebellions, being suppressed, King Richard, in the year 1390, appointed a great tournament to be held in Smithfield, on the Sunday after Michaelmas; and having caused it to be proclaimed in all the principal courts of Europe, several princes and noblemen from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and other countries, came to distinguish themselves by their courage and military skill. On the day appointed, which was Sunday in the afternoon, a pompous cavalcade of sixty ladies set out from the Tower, all richly dressed, and mounted on fine horses, each leading an armed Knight by a silver chain, attended by their Esquires, who passing through Cheapside proceeded to Smithfield, where the justs continued four days, in the presence of the King, the Queen, and the whole court; his Majesty himself giving proofs of his skill and dexterity on the second day. During the whole time open house was kept at the King’s expence, at the Bishop of London’s palace, for the entertainment of all persons of distinction, and every night the diversions concluded with a ball.
Two years after, the city refusing to lend the King a sum of money, and some of the citizens beating and abusing a Lombard merchant, for offering to advance the sum required, the King was so exasperated, that he sent for the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and twenty four of the principal commoners of the city, to attend him at Nottingham, which having done, the Mayor was committed prisoner to Windsor castle, and the rest to other prisons. A commission, under the great seal, was then granted to the Dukes of York and Gloucester, the King’s uncles, to enquire into that and other offences, of which the above persons being found guilty, they were not only fined 3000 marks, but the liberties of the city were seized; the Mayor was degraded from his office, and a Custos appointed in his room; the Sheriffs were also degraded, and others chosen; and, by the King’s precept, seventeen persons were appointed Aldermen, during the royal pleasure. As a farther mortification to the city, the King not only withdrew, with the nobility, to York, but removed the courts of justice to that city.
However, upon payment of the fine of 3000 marks, all the city liberties were restored, except the privilege of chusing her own Mayor. And the King, returning to London, was met at Shene, or Richmond Heath, by four hundred citizens on horseback, dressed in a rich uniform, with the Recorder at their head, who made a speech, in which he humbly begged pardon for their past offences, and earnestly entreated his Majesty to honour the Chamber of London with his presence; to which he consenting, they attended him to St. George’s church in Southwark, where he was received by a solemn procession of the clergy, and five hundred boys in surplices, with the Bishop of London at their head. At London bridge he was presented with a fine horse, adorned with trappings of gold brocade, and his Queen with a fine pad, and very noble furniture.
Never was the city more richly embellished than on this occasion, for the citizens of all ranks strove to outvie each other, in honour of their reconciled Sovereign; the streets were lined with the city companies in their formalities, and the conduits all the while ran with variety of wines.
At the standard in Cheapside, a boy dressed in white, to represent an angel, stood in a magnificent pageant, and upon the King’s approach, presented him with wine in a gold cup, and placed on his head a crown of gold, adorned with a variety of pearls and precious stones, and likewise another on the head of the Queen. After which their Majesties were conducted to their palace at Westminster, by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs, who, the next day, made his Majesty a present of two silver basons gilt, with 1000 nobles of gold in each, curious pictures of the Trinity, valued at 800l. and several other valuable presents. But after all, they were obliged to pay him 10,000l. before he would restore them the right of chusing their own magistrates.
The King, and his royal consort Isabella, a daughter of France, were some years after again conducted, with extraordinary magnificence, thro’ the city; but in 1398, the citizens petitioning to have their taxes taken off, and against entering into a treaty with the French King, about the delivering up of Calais, Richard was so exasperated against them, that he obliged many of the richest of the citizens to sign and seal several blank papers sent them by the ministry, who afterwards filled them up at their pleasure, with such sums as would effectually drain them; and this rendered him so odious to the citizens, that when Henry Duke of Lancaster arrived from France, they received him with open gates, and expressed their joy by magnificent shews, solemn processions of the clergy, and loud acclamations; and, in short, after the late King was made prisoner, Henry was received in great pomp by the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and all the several companies in their formalities.
The reign of Henry IV. was not distinguished by any remarkable disputes between that King and the citizens; but in the year 1407, a dreadful plague carried off 30,000 of the inhabitants, whereby corn became so cheap, that wheat sold at 3s. 4d. the quarter.
In the reign of Henry V. the citizens chiefly distinguished themselves by the splendid cavalcade, with which they conducted that brave Prince through the city, after the glorious battle of Agincourt, In this reign Moorgate was first built, and Sir Henry Barton, the Lord Mayor, first ordered lanthorns to be hung out, for illuminating the streets by night. Indeed it is surprizing, that so useful and necessary a regulation was not made much earlier, considering the multitude and wealth of the inhabitants, the brooks which still ran through some of the streets, and the dirt occasioned by their lying much lower than at present.
After the death of this great conqueror, his young son Henry VI. being crowned King of France at Paris, the citizens, on his return, expressed their loyalty in a very extraordinary manner; for the royal infant was met on Black Heath by the Lord Mayor of London, dressed in crimson velvet, with a large furred hat, a girdle of gold about his waist, and a bawdrick of gold about his neck, waving down his back. He was followed by three horsemen, dressed in scarlet and silver, and attended by the Aldermen in scarlet gowns, and crimson hoods, while the citizens were cloathed in white gowns, and scarlet hoods, with the symbol belonging to each mystery, richly embroidered upon their sleeves. They were all on horseback, and from thence preceded his Majesty to London, where he was received with the utmost pomp. The city on this occasion was decorated with rich silks and carpets, and on the bridge, and in the streets, through which the cavalcade passed, were erected a variety of stately pageants, filled with persons representing the Muses, Graces, and Sciences; and from these pageants, orations were made, and concerts performed of vocal and instrumental music. Two days after, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen attended the King at Westminster, and presented him with a golden hamper, containing 1000l. in nobles.
It is impossible, in the short compass allotted to this part of the work, to give an account of the several rebellions and revolutions during the life of this unhappy Sovereign, and of the manner in which the citizens interested themselves in each: it is sufficient to add, that notwithstanding these early professions of loyalty, the ill success and weakness of Henry, made them almost constantly join his enemies, and was one principal cause of his ruin.
King Edward IV. therefore, in the second year of his reign, shewed his gratitude for the favours he had received from them, by granting the city a charter, by which all the ancient rights and privileges of the citizens were confirmed, and the following additional privileges bestowed.
1. The Lord Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen past the chair, are appointed perpetual justices of peace in the city; and are constituted justices of oyer and terminer, for the trial of all malefactors within their own jurisdiction.
2. For the better ascertaining the customs of the city, when a plea is brought in any of the superior courts, relating to those customs, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen are impowered to declare, by the mouth of their Recorder, whether the point in controversy be a custom of London, or not; and if, upon enquiry, it be found to be such, then it is to be recorded, and remain an established custom to all futurity.
3. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen are for ever exempted from serving in all foreign assizes, juries, or attaints, and from the offices of assessor, collector of taxes, overseer, or comptroller of all public duties without the jurisdiction of the city.
4. The citizens are allowed the privilege of holding an annual fair in the borough of Southwark, together with a court of Pye-powder, with the rights and customs thereto belonging, &c. all at the ancient fee farm of 10l. _per annum_.
Afterwards, in the year 1479, the city gave the same Prince 1923l. 19s. 8d. for the liberty of purchasing lands, &c. in mortmain, to the value of 200 marks _per annum_; and also purchased of the King, for 7000l. the offices of package, portage, garbling, gauging, wine-drawer and coroner, to be enjoyed by them and their successors for ever.
In the same year, a dreadful pestilence raged in London, which swept away an incredible number of people.
On the death of Edward IV. the Duke of Buckingham strove in vain to make the citizens join in raising the Duke of Gloucester to the throne, to the prejudice of the young Prince, Edward V. by making a long speech to them in Guildhall. The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and some of the Common Council, were, however, prevailed upon to go and persuade that inhuman monster to accept of the crown; and afterwards the Lord Mayor contested with the citizens of Winchester the right of being chief Butler at the coronation of a man who was a disgrace to human nature: but the Mayor of London had for some ages enjoyed this privilege, and was not now denied it.
In the beginning of the reign of Henry VII. the sweating sickness first raged in London, carrying off great numbers within twenty-four hours; but those who survived that time generally recovered; and of this disease died two Lord Mayors and one of the Sheriffs, in the space of the year.
The next year the privileges of the citizens were struck at by their own magistrates, in a very extraordinary act of Common Council, which enjoined the citizens, under the penalty of an hundred pounds, not to carry any goods or merchandize to any fair or market within the kingdom, for the term of seven years; but this scandalous and unjust by-law was the next year set aside by act of Parliament.
In the year 1500, the plague carried off 20,000 persons in London; and during this reign the city also suffered greatly by the oppressions of the King’s ministers Empson and Dudley; Alderman Capel was, upon several penal laws, condemned to pay a fine of 2700l. but by the intercession of friends, it was mitigated to 1600l. Thomas Knesworth, who had been Mayor, with Richard Shoare and Roger Grove, his Sheriffs, were accused of abuses committed in their offices, for which they were dragged to the Marshalsea, and confined without any legal process, till they redeemed themselves by paying 14,000l. and, in short, Sir Laurence Aylmer was, in the next year after he had served the office of Mayor, also imprisoned by these rapacious ministers, in order to extort a sum of money for his liberty: but the death of Henry VII. delivered him and many others from their troubles.
King Henry VIII. the year after his accession to the throne, came in the habit of one of the yeomen of the guard, to see the march of the city watch; it being an ancient custom for the watch, who were then a body of military forces, to make a pompous march on the vigils of St. John Baptist, and St. Peter and Paul. His Majesty was a spectator on St. John’s eve, and was so highly delighted with the sight, that he returned on the eve of St. Peter, accompanied by his royal consort, and the principal nobility, and staid in Mercer’s Hall, Cheapside, to see the procession repeated.
The march was begun by the city music, followed by the Lord Mayor’s officers, in party-coloured liveries; then the swordbearer, on horseback, in beautiful armour, preceded the Lord Mayor, mounted on a stately horse adorned with rich trappings, attended by a giant and two pages on horseback, three pageants, morrice dancers and footmen; next came the Sheriffs, preceded by their officers, and attended by their giants, pages, pageants, and morrice dancers. Then marched a great body of demi-lancers in bright armour, on stately horses: next followed a body of carabineers in white fustian coats, with the city arms on their backs and breasts: then marched a body of archers with their bows bent, and shafts of arrows by their sides; followed by a party of pikemen with their corslets and helmets; after whom marched a body of halberdiers in their corslets and helmets; and the march was closed by a great party of billmen, with helmets and aprons of mail.
The whole body, which consisted of about 2000 men, had between every division a certain number of musicians, who were answered in their proper places by the like number of drums, with standards and ensigns, in the same manner as veteran troops. This nocturnal march was lighted by 940 cressets, which were large lanthorns fixed at the end of poles, and carried over mens shoulders; two hundred of which were at the city expence, five hundred at that of the companies, and two hundred and forty were found by the city constables.
The march began at the conduit in Cheapside, and passed through that street, Cornhill, and Leadenhall street to Aldgate; whence it returned by Fenchurch street, Gracechurch street, Cornhill, and Cheapside, to the conduit.
During this march, the houses on each side the streets were decorated with greens and flowers wrought into garlands, and intermixed with a great number of lamps. _Stow._
This splendid procession constantly repeated twice a year, is not only a proof of the fondness for shew which then prevailed, but lets us see that the city was then watched by men completely armed; a body of troops of a peculiar kind, raised and maintained by the city.
The same year, Sir William Fitz-William, Alderman of Bread street ward, was disfranchised for refusing to serve the office of Sheriff. _Fabian’s Chronicle._
And in 1512, the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex were first impowered to impannel juries for the city courts, each juror so impannelled to be a citizen worth an hundred marks.
As the history of the city of London must necessarily include that of the manners of the inhabitants, we have given some instances of their fondness for pompous and splendid processions, and it may hereafter be necessary to add others, to enable the reader to form an idea of the difference between the past times and the present. I shall here mention amusements of a different kind, graced with the presence of a sovereign Prince, and which cannot fail of entertaining the reader.